Research opportunities

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers multiple opportunities for students interested in research. Some opportunities are only for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) or the College of Human Sciences (CHS) while others are open to students studying in either college.

Agriculture experiential learning and work program (CALS)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Science with Practice experiential learning and work program is for undergraduate students in agriculture. Students work closely with faculty and staff on specific projects and/or work assignments, earn money, and earn academic credit while fulfilling work responsibilities.

Cyclone Scholar Summer Research Experience

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) at Iowa State University welcomes applications from undergraduate students for a summer research experience. Cyclone Scholars will perform interdisciplinary research with faculty mentors across the areas of food science and human nutrition to address solutions to childhood obesity. Cyclone Scholars will spend 8 weeks on campus conducting research, participating in workshops and exploring local food systems, agricultural food production and the food industry. Travel, housing and meals are provided. Learn more about this program.

Department faculty research

If you learn about a faculty member who is doing research in an area that interests you, you can ask him or her directly about potentially assisting with the research. If you have not identified a specific faculty member, but have an interest in a certain area, you can view department research taking place by topic areas on the FSHN Strategic Areas of Excellence list. Remember to be professional when inquiring with a faculty member about potential research opportunities. Learn more about the research of individual faculty members by using the faculty directory.

Faculty mentor research experience (CALS)

The George Washington Carver Internship Program is an eight-week summer research program for undergraduates that exposes students to research by matching them with a faculty mentor in their area of interest and allows interns to become familiar with lives of graduate students in a large university and with living in Iowa. Interns participate in weekly seminars and social, cultural, and educational activities in addition to their research experience.

Human sciences undergraduate research (CHS)

The Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship Program provides research experience to undergraduate students in the College of Human Sciences while they think about going on to an advanced degree. Interns can work with prestigious faculty or learn about current research in their academic field while receiving hands-on experience in conducting research.

Iowa State University's Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program encourages outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering them hands-on experience in a formal research environment. Participation in the URA Program helps students make career decisions and learn about graduate education and fellowships. Guidelines, procedures, and applications can be found on the Office of Student Financial Aid "All Forms" website (under Employment forms).